Adornment and Splendour: Jewels of the Indian Courts

The Al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait showcases a remarkable collection of Indian jewelry and luxury objects made during the Mughal empire and Deccan sultanates in the 16th and 17th centuries. The collection, assembled by Sheikh Nasser and Sheikha Hussa al-Sabah, features the beauty, sophistication, and diversity of Indian jewelled arts, with exquisite pieces adorned with precious gemstones, gold, and enamel. This comprehensive catalogue includes both familiar and previously unknown types, expanding our understanding of artistic output in the region. With specially commissioned photography, it is a publication of historic importance and beauty for jewelry enthusiasts, art lovers, and those interested in the Islamic world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait, presents a remarkable and unparalleled collection of Indian jewelry and luxury objects crafted during the flourishing Mughal empire and the Deccan sultanates in the 16th and 17th centuries. Regarded as one of the finest collections in the world, this extraordinary assemblage was meticulously assembled by Sheikh Nasser and Sheikha Hussa al-Sabah. The collection showcases the remarkable beauty, sophistication, and diversity of Indian jewelled arts, reflecting the rich heritage and artistic prowess of the Indian subcontinent.

From ancient times, skilled jewelers in India developed a wide range of unique techniques, making it a haven for the most exquisite and sophisticated jewels on the planet. Exotic birds, animals, flowers, trees, and mythological scenes intricately rendered in precious gemstones, gold, and enamel showcase the extraordinary imagination and skill of these artists. They created not only an unmatched range of jewelry to adorn the body but also exquisite ritual and household items of remarkable refinement and luxury, as well as awe-inspiringly large engraved gemstones that served as symbols of their princely patrons' royal power. Among these treasures is a spinel, weighing nearly 250 carats, believed to be the legendary Timur Ruby.

This comprehensive volume presents a selection of the finest and most valuable pieces from the al-Sabah Collection, some of which are familiar to connoisseurs, while others are being published for the first time. It also includes numerous previously unknown types that expand our understanding of the artistic output in the region. Accompanied by specially commissioned photography that offers unprecedented new perspectives on over 300 jewelled objects, this publication is of historic significance and unparalleled beauty. It appeals to all enthusiasts of jewelry, the arts of India, and the rich cultural heritage of the Islam.

Weight: 2480g
Dimension: 276 x 219 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500978641